Smart Home Technologies for Ageing in Place: A Systematic Review of Health Outcomes, Independence, Healthcare...

Smart home technologies are increasingly being developed to support ageing in place, yet evidence of their impact remains unclear. This review aimed to synthesise the existing evidence on the role of smart home technologies in enabling older adults aged 65 years and above to live safely at home.

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and retrospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF; Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/4ZJNC). Six databases were searched for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies evaluating smart home technologies were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were synthesised thematically.

Thirty studies from 10 countries were included. Smart home technologies supported physiological monitoring, safety, functional and emergency detection, social interaction and cognitive support. Reported benefits in some studies included reduced healthcare utilisation, improved quality of life and independence, enhanced chronic disease management, and positive experiences for users and carers. However, findings were heterogeneous across technologies, populations and outcome measures. Key barriers included privacy, cost, technical reliability and digital literacy.

Smart home technologies show potential to support ageing in place by enhancing safety, independence and chronic disease management, while possibly reducing healthcare utilisation and improving quality of life. However, the evidence base remains heterogeneous, with a variety of technologies evaluated, study designs used and outcomes reported. Robust longitudinal studies, standardised outcome measures and comprehensive cost-effectiveness evaluations are needed to inform implementation, equity and policy development.